Stern mooring an M or X

[robbarnes1965]

One way to get the best of both worlds would be to moor or anchor in a heave-to position. This would be done with a dock line lead from a cockpit winch to the anchor line with a snatch block (diagram J-G)

http://www.para-anchor.com/news4_more_on_storm.html

This would probably achieve the stability needed as the drag would be more consistent with the boat about 55 degrees off the wind and also create the disturbed water that develops in front of the boat as a result. It would certainly be preferable to lying stern-to for protecting the rudders and keeping water out. The forward quarter of the boat is much stronger and designed to take more of a pounding as well. The extra drag created vs. pointing straight into the wind will likely be more than offset by the limited the shock-loading of the rode produced by this configuration.

I need to warn that I have not tried it yet. Any time I have been moored in less than ideal conditions it has been on a charter boat where I just did not have any gear to use and did not feel comfortable experimenting on a rented boat. At home I have always found very sheltered conditions. It is my intention to just do it in an exposed area of the lake this summer for the heck of it to see how it works. I doubt it won't. It is similar to the technique used by Lin and Larry Pardey with a parachute anchor in 70ft waves and 100mph winds...


ROb

[Highlander]

I have a bilge blower already installed in the hull that vents the whole bilge area , this winter @ the boat show I got a good deal on an fume alert gasoline & propane , so after talking to Rocky "dreamer" who is also thinking of doing this mod for lower center of gravity & increased cockpit space & storage I believe he was thinking of installing one tank , I was thinking of two tanks aft one each on either side between the water ballast tanks just a thought for future reference if I decide to do it one day it will be an easy decision as I would be halfway there already with the blower & fume alert installed ! , but windlass & portlights , spreader lights , solar vent , other vents , glove box , drapes , storage lockers , overhead cubby cabinets above table & gallely , more cockpit & cabin accent lighting , & finish off my aft arch await me for now

J
PS I do rant don't I almost forgot I will be installing my original bow roller off the bow onto the aft section somewhere yet to be determined @ some point in my mods career

[mastreb]

The primary concern I'd have with anchoring stern-to in any kind of weather is damage to the motor. The cable through-way can easily be packed with cloth to prevent rapid water intrusion (though not seepage), and the rudders can be raised to prevent damage. The motor would have to be down and fixed in place, and it would be taking waves constantly. Water intrusion into the cockpit might be annoying, but its just going to spill right back out. If battened down and upright, a Mac isn't going to fill with water from wave action faster than one can bail.

Waking up to a failed forestay, fallen mast, and waterlogged engine out at sea would not be pleasant.

[DaveB]

Only on my 35ft Alberg back in 1981-82, in Nantucket and doing a spiniker lift drop of crew members in 10-15knots wind.
Had twin 35 cqrs anchored off stearn cleats port & starboard.
Dave

Has anyone tried this in a serious blow with an or tried this to stop oscillation at anchor?

http://www.jordanseriesdrogue.com/D_14.htm

[Retcoastie]

I have anchored stern to several times and find it less than satisfying. If the wind is calm or slight, it is not necessary. You won't swing that much anyway. Generally in a blow I try to get as close to the shore as safe so as to lessen wave action. When the wind is blowing, the constant noise of waves slapping the square stern drives me crazy and makes sleep impossible. Often when the wind is blowing, it is blowing rain and that is aimed right at the hatch. I have never had waves come over the stern nor water entering the cable ways.

YMMV

Ken

[Tomfoolery]

I was going through my anchor collection (8 or so of them), which includes a vinyl covered mushroom that came with the boat, which this thread started me thinking about. I think I'll give the mushroom a try for snubbing some of the anchor sailing. Basically just let it drag around on the bottom.

I also have a very small danforth-type, the really super cheap kind with the loop shank, that would grab better but not so well that it would prevent the boat from swinging if the wind changed. Also a folding grapnel that's probably not much better than the mushroom in soft bottoms. One of those would probably help. Can't make it worse, I wouldn't think, as this boat sails around like nothing I've ever had before.

[csm]

I haven't tried the mushroom anchor at stern, but sounds effective. I have a ski/ tube tow bridal attached to the engine mount bolts, and seems that attaching the mushroom like a tow rope would avoid fouling the motor. I have a heavy bungee rigged up to reduce shock on the bow anchor, that could be attached to the rode a few feet from the bow eye and attach the other end to one of the stanchions. Haven't tried this , but seems it would keep the bow angled off the wind, and reduce anchor sailing. I' ll give it a try next time we anchor out, soon I hope

[Tomfoolery]

I' ll give it a try next time we anchor out, soon I hope

Same here, but about all I've gotten done this spring is move it from my in-laws' driveway to my driveway.

Too many unfinished winter projects and the never-ending honey-do list.